SEATTLE/ Conservative Monitor -- The official announcement that he had essentially gone deaf was a sad moment for millions of listeners. His whole life revolved around using his great talents to get his message out to the world. The long struggle to rise to the top of his field had been filled with controversy and triumph. Now, at the height of his powers the Maestro was stricken, stricken by an affliction that jeopardized his ability to forge ahead to new heights.

Without the ability to hear how could he coordinate the stirring tones that inspired a nation? This was a new challenge far greater than his early rise to the top. For that had been a joyous campaign, an adventure. He had been a confident man with the talent, good fortune and work ethic that was sure to bring success. Yet how could he overcome this new roadblock? It had not been cast in his path by nay-sayers or competitors. This deafness was the inexplicable, thundering hand of fate.

But a man pursuing his dream does not let anything stand between himself and his goal. He found ways to continue his work. People would communicate with him through written messages. He would use his eyes to see the sounds he was so famous for creating. He would use every technological facility open to him so that he could rise to new heights. His ambition, his drive would not allow even deafness to silence him.

Is this the famous story of Ludwig von Beethoven the great deaf composer, or is it the story of the very modern Rush Limbaugh? On the 8th of October Rush Limbaugh announced to a stunned nation that over the last several months he had essentially gone deaf. Yet he also made clear his determination to continue his work. He would not say exactly how he planned to deal with phone callers, keep up with the news or even modulate his voice. However, he did reveal that he spent last week working out the details for continuing his radio show.

The time spent, the hard work has paid off. This week we find Rush Limbaugh in good form, continuing to surmount all obstacles to make music to his listener's ears.